A scenic byway in Montana

20 Best Places to Live the West
by Tom Wilmes
From outdoor adventures to towns where history comes alive, here’s where to experience authentic Western culture today.

What defines the West? Ask most folks and they’ll likely wax nostalgic about colorful characters who ventured beyond the Mississippi in search of gold, land, adventure, and, above all, a fresh start. They’ll tell you about hearty souls who thrived against the odds. Inspiring as these images are, however, comparing the Old West to modern times is as relevant as a Prairie Schooner on the freeway.

Progress has a way of paving over heritage and—thanks to a prevalence of cookie-cutter chain stores and an always on-the-go mentality—you’d be hard-pressed to tell Boise from Buffalo if you stand in the right spot. But a few remaining outposts of true Western spirit still thrive. Communities that celebrate their Western roots just in the way they go about their everyday affairs.

Opinions will vary, but whether you aim to wet a line in a wild river, enjoy a unique annual event, or explore living history in a place where it’s never been forgotten, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

"Thanks for the Rain"bronze by Joe Beelerin downtown Wickenburg, AZ	The Grace Foundation of Northern California, Placerville, CA	A mounted shooter in Cave Creek, AZ
Mustang roundup in Steamboat Springs, CO		A cowboy, his horse, and his dogs in Salida, CO

Wickenburg, AZ
One of the earliest waypoints in the West, Wickenburg retains its 19th-century charm. Tour one of the finest collections of Western art and frontier history at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, or live it yourself at one of the nearby dude ranches. Gold Rush Days in February kicks off with a shoot-out on Frontier Street, and draws cowboys from all over for the rodeo.

Cave Creek, AZ
Nestled in the desert foothills above Phoenix and Scottsdale, this 1800s-era mining town’s self-sufficient nature is intact. Ride past groves of saguaro in the Spur Cross Conservation Area, a gateway to the Tonto National Forest, and don’t be surprised to see horses hitched in front of Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, a saloon that dates from the 1930s. Don’t miss Wild West Days in Oct., or Fiesta Days Rodeo in April.

Placerville, CA
“Old Hangtown” is alive with colorful Gold Rush history. Pick up a gold pan at Placerville Hardware and head for Marshall Gold Historic Discoveries Park. If you get lucky, order the “hang town fry” at the local grill—a historically decadent indulgence for miners who strike it rich. You can rough it at the 1800s-era Harvey West Cabin, or live in luxury at the 7Up Ranch Bed and Breakfast.

Steamboat Springs, CO
Its reputation as Ski Town USA is certainly a draw, but few know that Steamboat Spring’s ranching roots run deeper than any amount of champagne powder. Cradled by a fertile valley of the Yampa River, the area was once the largest exporter of cattle in the West. Today you’ll find that history alive and well at events such as Cowboys’ Round Up Days, and the annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, both in July.

At the Missoula County Fair's "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" PRCA rodeo, Missoula, MT	On the shore of Fairy Lake in Bozeman, MT	Historic building in Pendleton, OR

Salida, CO
Perched high in the Rockies, Salida is surrounded by mountain wilderness. With the Sawatch Range and the Sangre de Cristo mountains nearby, world-class rafting, hunting, skiing, and fishing are at your fingertips. During the holidays, “Christmas Mountain” lights up the night sky.

Bozeman, MT
This ruggedly cosmopolitan town is an ideal base for outdoor adventures. The Gallatin National Forest is riddled with blue ribbon trout streams, and Yellowstone is a short drive south. There’s plenty to do in town, too, with Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies, the Pioneer Museum, annual festivals and rodeos, and a downtown brimming with shops and restaurants.

Missoula, MT
Situated in a deep river valley, “The Garden City” is a fertile mix of free-spirited culture and robust outdoor aesthetic. The University of Montana is a hotbed of activity, and Glacier National Park and Yellowstone are both within easy reach. The week-long Western Montana Fair and Rodeo is held each August, and the International Wildlife Film Festival is in May.

Reno, NV
The Comstock Lode was discovered in nearby Virginia City in 1859, attracting droves of entrepreneurs with dreams of striking it rich. Plenty of folks still visit Reno with the same intent, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a diverse town with firmly established Western roots. There’s plenty to do outdoors with dozens of golf courses, mountain trails, skiing, and Lake Tahoe nearby. Don’t miss the Reno Rodeo in June.

Tularosa, NM
The villages of Tularosa and Ruidoso are steeped in Southwestern heritage. Tularosa is nestled against the Sacramento Mountains, while Ruidoso is set among the mountains in the Lincoln National Forest. Both communities offer easy access to horse trails, camping, skiing, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits, not to mention fine restaurants and shopping. Don’t miss the Hubbard Museum of the American West.

Los Alamos, NM
Upon arriving at the Los Alamos Ranch School, which closed in 1943, each student was assigned a horse. A rigorous outdoor education, it was believed, is as important as academics. That spirit still suits Los Alamos today. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is home to one of the country’s largest wild elk herds, and rich with bear and trout streams. Trail riding in Bandelier National Monument is an unforgettable experience.

Lawton, OK
Looking for some of the finest scenery in Oklahoma? Look no further than Lawton. Survey the landscape from atop Mt. Scott, the highest point in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and you’re likely to spot one of the largest buffalo herds in the southwest. Nearby Fort Sill is the final resting place of both Geronimo and U.S. Marshall Heck Thomas.

Pendleton, OR
Sure it’s home to the West’s oldest rodeo, but the annual Pendleton Round-up is merely the tip of the saddle horn in this resolutely Western town. Dig deep into its Wild West roots with Pendleton Underground Tours, a guided tour of tunnels built in conjunction with the railroad. Learn about Native American heritage at the new Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, and shop for western wear and fine saddles at Hamley & Co., which has been in business since 1883.

River ride at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, TX	The sun lights up the mountains above Heber City, UT	Wooden boardwalk in downtown Dubois, WY

Bend, OR
Laid-back Bend is an ideal place to hang your hat. Fishing, skiing, hiking, and rafting are all favorite pursuits, and Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade Lakes are favorite destinations. The Deschutes River Ranch, a working cattle ranch, offers hundreds of acres on which to live the lifestyle. Join in a cattle drive, roam the grounds on horseback, try your luck with a fly rod, or just relax among the stunning Central Oregon scenery.

Bandera, TX
It’s not “The Cowboy Capital of the World” for nothing. Bandera is ringed by ranch land, and there are at least two rodeos a week in the summer. The Cowboy Capital PRCA Rodeo is in May. Kick up your heels with live country music nightly, and check out Cowboys on Main every weekend. Itching to roam? The Hill Country State Natural Area has more than 40 miles of horse trails.

Palestine, TX
In the late 1800s, the prominent Missouri Pacific Railroad was based in Palestine, making it one of the largest towns in Texas. Today, Palestine has a small-town feel, where you can stroll past historic homes, ride an antique steam engine, and learn about the area’s history at the Museum for East Texas Culture. The Dogwood Festival in the spring is a big draw, and the rolling hills, lakes, and pastures attract visitors year-round.

Heber City, UT
Heber City hews true to its mining and dairy farming roots, even though bustling Park City and Salt Lake City are both nearby. The town also hosts one of the best cowboy gatherings in the West, the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, in November.

Ogden, UT
This northern Utah town is where the Transcontinental Railroad bridged the new frontier in 1869, an event commemorated at the Golden Spike National Historic site. The first Golden Spike Cowboy Poetry and Music Fest will be held this May. Great skiing is nearby, as is the Great Salt Lake. Stroll Historic 25th Street, and don’t miss Pioneer Days in July.

Walla Walla, WA
Fort Walla Walla was a major landmark for settlers headed West on the Oregon Trail, as was Whitman Mission. But, like the early settlers, don’t stop there. Main Street is a hub of activity lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Tour nearby vineyards, and check out the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days in August, the oldest fair in Washington State.

Dubois, WY
Walk along the wooden boardwalk that lines Main Street, and it’s easy to imagine Dubois in its 1800s-era heyday. Explore the town, then explore miles of horse trails and trout streams in the Wind River Mountains. Yellowstone is close, as are Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. There’s a regular rodeo series, and frequent Chuck Wagon dinner shows.

Saratoga, WY
Tired miners descended on this oasis for its therapeutic hot springs, a big draw for visitors today. The North Platte River flows through town, plus opportunities for hiking, trail riding, and snowmobiling. Events include the Woodchoppers Jamboree and Rodeo, the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, and the Platte River Rodeo Association WRA Rodeo.

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